Temperature Shock: Fish Die in Vovcha River in Dnipropetrovsk Region

In Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk region, ichthyologists recorded a mass die-off of fish in the Vovcha River due to sharp fluctuations in water temperature. The temperature in shallow waters reached +30...34 °C, which was fatal for planktivorous fish and perch. An ecological expert explained that it is the sharp temperature changes that cause fish mortality.

The images show how dead fish accumulate along the riverbanks, and the water has a cloudy appearance.

“Fish typically die en masse not when the water simply warms up, but when the temperature changes suddenly. For example, if the water heats up, then suddenly a cold current appears somewhere - and this causes shock to the fish. It does not have time to adapt, oxygen levels drop - and it dies.”

The Danger of Pollutant Discharges

The ecologist also points to the danger of discharges of pollutants or organics into the water body. Even a small amount of these substances can cause serious water contamination and disruption of the ecosystem.

“There can even be a minor discharge of organics or chemicals - that’s enough to activate the process of mass decay of organics, growth of microorganisms, and a complete drop in oxygen levels. Then the water becomes practically unsuitable for life.”

Modern Threats to Fish in Rivers

The expert emphasizes that one of the common causes of problems in rivers is the construction of artificial ponds and cascades, which disrupt their natural state.

“We already have an excess of artificial ponds on rivers. They heat up more, lack natural water exchange, which exacerbates the ecological situation. The river becomes a trap for fish.”

In this regard, it is necessary to protect natural water bodies from pollution and avoid overheating of the water in order to preserve biodiversity and prevent mass fish mortality in water bodies.